Going into game two of this National League showdown, the Reds (59-53, 28-27 home) are giving the start to Andrew Abbott. On the other side, the Nationals (47-63, 25-29 away) are rolling with Joan Adon. Don’t miss my prediction for today’s Washington Nationals versus Cincinnati Reds game in Cincinnati.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS VS CINCINNATI REDS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Washington Nationals +1.5 Runs

This game will be played at Great American Ball Park at 4:10 ET on Saturday, August 5th.

WHY BET THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS:

  • In their last three games, the Nationals have gone 2-1 vs. the runline.
  • Over their last ten games as the favorite, the Reds are just 4-6 against the runline.
  • Opponents are hitting a healthy .368 against Andrew Abbott in his last two starts.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS LOOKING FOR UPSET AS ROAD UNDERDOGS

110 games into the season, the Nationals have a record of 47-63, putting them 5th in the NL East. This mark includes an overall series 13-21-2. At home, they are 22-34 compared to 25-29 on the road.

Joan Adon takes the mound for his third outing of the season, having already registered a 0-0 record. The opposition is batting just .167 against him, and he holds an ERA of 5.40. Additionally, two home runs have been surrendered by Adon in 2021, with an OPS of .727 against him.

Joan Adon had a stellar performance in his most recent game, pitching two scoreless innings and not allowing a single run. Unfortunately, the Nationals were unable to capitalize on his efforts as they fell 8-4 to the Cardinals. Adon was given a no-decision for his outing.

Offensively, Washington is ranked 20th in the league with an average of 4.3 runs per game. When looking over their last ten matchups, the Nationals averaged 4 runs per contest, which is 9th best in that span. In terms of their power numbers, Washington is 29th in all of baseball, with a total of 97 home runs.

Joey Meneses has been a key contributor to the Nationals’ offense this season, hitting .282 and driving in 60 runs. In the team’s last five games, Meneses has led the way with the bat, batting .375 and collecting hits.

WILL THE CINCINNATI REDS TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AT HOME?

For the season, the Reds have put together a record of 59-53 and are 2nd in the NL Central, putting them 0.5 games out of first place. Cincinnati’s overall series record sits at 17-14-4. On the road, they have gone 31-26 and 28-27 at home.

The Reds will turn to Andrew Abbott, who has been a reliable starter for them this season. The right-hander has an impressive 6-2 record in 11 appearances, with a 2.35 ERA and 9.83 K/9 figure. Additionally, his FIP stands at 3.90 and his OBP is .259.

Andrew Abbott recently battled the Cubs, surrendering four runs and five hits in 3 1/3 innings. Despite not earning a decision, the Reds emerged victorious with a 6-5 scoreline.

This season, the Reds are 7th in the league at 4.9 runs per game. Over their last five games, they have a combined batting average of .246 (13th) leading to 5.4 runs per contest. Overall, they are generating 3.5 walks per game compared to 9 strikeouts. Cincinnati’s on-base percentage of .330 has them 6th in the MLB.

Matt McLain has been a consistent offensive force for the Cincinnati Reds this season, boasting a .309 batting average and slugging .535. Over the last ten games, he has been particularly impressive, leading the team in hits and batting .328.